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Code of Conduct Changes

Student Code of Conduct Information Statement

During the Fall 2013 semester, two important changes were made to the Student Code of Conduct. These changes are highlighted here but students are encouraged to clink on the links to read the policy changes in their entirety. Any questions about these policy changes can be directed to the Dean of Students Office at 208-885-6757 or at askjoe@uidaho.edu.

Addition of Amnesty Policy

The first of these changes is the addition of the Amnesty Policy which can be found in the Faculty Staff Handbook 2310. This policy was drafted by the University Judicial Counsel in consultation with the Dean of Students Office and the Office of General Counsel. In November, this policy addition was passed by the Faculty Senate. The purpose of this policy is to remove any perceived barriers that may prevent a student from seeking medical attention during an emergency for fear of disciplinary action from the University. This policy stipulates that a student who seeks emergency medical attention for drug or alcohol related consumption will not be sanctioned for violating the Student Code of Conduct.

Expansion of Jurisdiction

The second change to the Student Code of Conduct is an expansion of the jurisdiction. This change can be found in the Faculty Staff Handbook 2100 Section B. This policy change originated from a recommendation by the Spring 2013 Alcohol Task Force and was drafted by the University Judicial Council in consultation with the Dean of Students Office and the Office of General Counsel.

This policy change was supported by the Faculty Senate and by the Board of Regents for the University of Idaho. Because this change in jurisdiction also impacts the Statement of Student Rights, the Associated Students of the University of Idaho asked the Board of Regents to change the voting requirements from a two-thirds affirmative vote of the students voting in an election in which 35% of the student vote to having a two-thirds affirmative vote of the ASUI senate. The Board of Regents determined that having a student voting requirement to change to the Student Code of Conduct violated Board of Regent policy and the Board elected to remove this provision.

The expansion of the jurisdiction of the Student Code of Conduct provides that disciplinary action may be taken when a student’s behavior (1) violates local ordinances or state/federal law; (2) on campus conduct that violates the Student Code of Conduct; and (3) off campus conduct that violates the Student Code of Conduct and that adversely affects the university community or the pursuit of the university’s educational mission, process, or function, as determined by the Dean of Students. A determination of whether or not behavior adversely affects the university community or pursuit of the university’s mission will be done on a case-by-case basis and will include considerations such as context of the behavior, proximity to campus, severity of the behavior, and the impact on the safety of the campus community.

The enforcement of this expanded jurisdiction will begin February 1, 2014 in order for proper notification to be given to students. Notification will occur through an email message to the university community and through information on the Dean of Students Office website.